Let her keep this for the day of my burial

Today’s Gospel passage tells of the anointing of Jesus’ feet by Mary of Bethany.

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The anointing of Jesus’ feet is connected with the offering of Jesus’ life. Mary anoints the feet of Jesus with costly perfumed oil while Judas Iscariot entertains evil thoughts about what Mary has done for Jesus. The Gospel passage narrates that Judas Iscariot does not really care for the poor. He steals money from the money bag out of selfish interest. Jesus’ deed and that of Judas are opposites. Jesus offers his life for the salvation of the world while Judas steals in order to preserve himself and perpetuate his selfish interest. Jesus teaches us the value of self-sacrifice. Today is Holy Monday. We are called to deepen our sense of self-sacrifice that we may follow the example of Jesus who laid down his life for the life of the world.

Do we want to be free from selfishness? Are we ready to let go of our selfish interests? What are the concrete expressions of self-sacrifice that we are doing during these holy days?